Abstract
The seismic performance assessment of dry-joint masonry arches is challenging because of their unique structural characteristics. Widely used assessment methods developed for frame-type structures require the use of a material-dependent section response. In contrast, the response of a dry-joint arch is not dependent on the material capacity but characterized by the sustainment of stability, primarily depending on rigid body rotation or sliding motion at the interfaces between the adjacent voussoirs. A hybrid methodology, combining a simple finite element micro model with principles of limit analysis method, is proposed in this work for the seismic performance assessment of these structures. The nonlinearity is concentrated at interfaces of the model by means of shear and compression-only axial springs. Kinematic conditions yielding a possible collapse mechanism were traced at every step of the time history analysis by checking the failure of individual interfaces. The procedure is applied to an ancient dry-joint Roman arch bridge in close proximity to the North Anatolian fault subject to significant seismic risk. Along with the performance of the system in its current state, the effects of retrofitting measures were investigated in the scope of this study.
Highlights
Spanning rivers and valleys via bridges made only of cut-stones remains one of the most fascinating achievements of civil engineering practice dating back 2000 years
The proposed assessment method was applied to an ancient dry-stone masonry arch
These results show that the bridge, in its current state, would not meet the expected seismic performance standard for bridge, in its current state, would not meet the expected seismic performance standard for the defined hazard level, yet the restored bridge performs satisfactorily without going into the defined hazard level, yet the restored bridge performs satisfactorily without going into a failure mechanism through the formation of hinging and sliding at the interfaces
Summary
Spanning rivers and valleys via bridges made only of cut-stones remains one of the most fascinating achievements of civil engineering practice dating back 2000 years. Considering the typical economic life of recently built bridges and the maintenance requirements throughout their service, one can better perceive the perfection of the simplicity of dry-joint stone masonry bridges standing thousands of years without maintenance. Many such bridges are still in service in Europe, the United. Abandoned for an extensive period, many of these require proper restoration and retrofitting operations to preserve their shape and function [2] These structures are subject to seismic risk significant in the Anatolian peninsula [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
